GEOGRAPHY

Cebu is a province of the Philippines, located in the Central Visayas region. It's an island that's elongated
in shape, stretching about 225 kilometers from north to south, but not more than 40 kilometers across
at its widest point.

Cebu is surrounded by 167 smaller islands, which include Mactan, Bantayan, Malapascua, Olango and
the Camotes Islands. Mactan Island is particularly famous as it's where the Mactan-Cebu International
Airport is located, the second busiest airport in the Philippines.

Cebu's climate is tropical, with a wet season from June to December and a dry season from January to
May. It's also located outside the typhoon belt, so it's less prone to severe storms compared to other
parts of the Philippines.

Cebu City, the oldest city in the Philippines, is the capital of the province. It's known as the "Queen City
of the South" and is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and vibrant culture.

FESTIVALS
1. Sinulog Festival: This is the biggest and most popular festival in Cebu, held on the third Sunday of
January in honor of the Santo Niño, or the child Jesus. It's a grand event filled with colorful parades,
street dancing, and lively music.

2. Kadaugan sa Mactan: This festival commemorates the historic Battle of Mactan between Lapu-Lapu
and Ferdinand Magellan. It's celebrated every April in Lapu-Lapu City with a reenactment of the battle
and various other activities.

3. Pintos Festival: Celebrated in Bogo City, Cebu, every May, this festival is in honor of San Vicente Ferrer.
The event is marked by street dancing and displays of pintos, a local delicacy made from corn.

DELICACIES

Cebu is known for its delicious delicacies. Here are three unique ones:

1. Lechon de Cebu: This is a must-try delicacy in Cebu. Lechon is a whole roasted pig that is cooked over
an open fire. It is known for its crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. You can find it in various
restaurants and food stalls in Cebu.
2. Dried Mangoes: Cebu is famous for its sweet and tangy dried mangoes. The mangoes are dried to
perfection, resulting in a chewy and flavorful snack. They make for a great souvenir or snack to enjoy
during your visit to Cebu.

3. Otap: Otap is a thin and crispy puff pastry that is often enjoyed as a snack or dessert. It is made from
flour, sugar, and shortening, and has a delicate and crunchy texture. Otap is a popular delicacy in Cebu
and can be found in local bakeries and stores.

TOURIST SPOT

1. Cebu Taoist Temple: Located in Beverly Hills Subdivision, this temple is a beautiful and serene place

of worship. It offers stunning panoramic views of Cebu City and showcases traditional Chinese

architecture. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and enjoy the peaceful ambiance .
2. Kawasan Falls: Situated in Badian, Kawasan Falls is a natural wonder that attracts both locals and

tourists. The falls feature crystal-clear turquoise waters cascading down lush greenery . Visitors can

swim in the refreshing pools, go bamboo rafting, or even try canyoneering in the nearby canyons.

3. Oslob W
hale Sharks: In the town of Oslob, you can have a unique experience of swimming with

whale sharks. These gentle giants, locally known as "butanding," can be observed up close in their

natural habitat. It's an unforgettable encounter with these magnificent creatures .

LITERATURE
One famous literature piece fromCebu is "Bulaklak sa City Jail" (Flowers of the City Jail ) by Dr. Juan G. Villagonzalo.

It is a collection of poems that provides a glimpse into the lives and struggles of female inmates in the Cebu City

Jail .

The collection of poems in "Bulaklak sa City Jail" offers a powerful and poignant portrayal of the harsh

realities faced by the incarcerated women. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Dr .

Villagonzalo sheds light on the experiences of these women, their hopes, dreams, and the challenges

they face within the confines of the jail.

The poems explore themes of injustice, poverty, abuse, and the resilience of the human spirit . They give

voice to the marginalized and shed light on the societal issues that contribute to their circumstances . The

raw emotions and vivid descriptions create a sense of empathy and understanding, urging readers to

reflect on the plight of these women and the larger social issues at hand.

"Bulaklak sa City Jail" serves as a powerful social commentary, highlighting the need for compassion,

justice, and reform within the criminal justice system. It challenges readers to confront the realities

faced by the marginalized and to advocate for change.

Overall, "Bulaklak sa City Jail" is a significant literary work that brings attention to the voices and struggles of the

incarcerated women in Cebu. It serves as a reminder of the power of literature to shed light on social issues and inspire

empathy and action.

SUPERSTITIONS AND BELIEFS

1. "Pagpag": "Pagpag" is a practice observed after attending a wake or funeral. It is believed that if you

go directly home after a funeral without making a stop, you may bring bad luck or the spirit of the

deceased with you. To avoid this, people would make a stop at a nearby place, such as a store or

restaurant, before heading home.

2. Opening and closing umbrellas indoors: It is considered bad luck to open or close an umbrella

indoors in Cebu, as it is believed to bring misfortune. This superstition is similar to the belief in many

other cultures.

3. "Pamahiin sa Bag-ong Tuig": This refers to various superstitious beliefs and practices observed

during the New Year. For example, it is believed that making loud noises, such as banging pots and

pans or setting off firecrackers, scares away evil spirits. Some also believe that wearing polka-dotted

clothes brings good luck and prosperity for the coming year.